How to Buy on DLsite from the US

Last updated: September 2026

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Quick answer

If your Visa or Mastercard doesn't work on DLsite, buy a DL Gift Card on For Books, DLsite's official partner store. It accepts Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Then redeem the card for points. JCB cards work directly on DLsite.

Why your card gets declined

Since April 2024, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express have been unavailable for direct purchases on DLsite. This is a payment processor issue, not a problem with your card — and DLsite is a long-established, legitimate Japanese store.

Option 1: Buy points with a DL Gift Card (recommended)

1. Log in to DLsite and open My Page → Purchase Points.
2. Click Other credit cards. This opens For Books, DLsite's official gift card store.
3. Choose an amount: 500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 5,000, or 10,000 points (1 point = ¥1).
4. Click Add to cart → Check out.
5. Sign in or create a free For Books account. This is separate from your DLsite account.
6. Pay with Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
7. Wait for the serial code email (it can take a few hours).
8. On DLsite, go to My Page → Enter Serial Code and redeem it.
9. Buy your game or comic using points.

Buy slightly more points than the price, since prices are in yen and your card converts the amount.

Option 2: Pay directly with a JCB card

If you have a JCB card, you can pay at checkout without buying points.

Before you buy

• You need a For Books account to check out. It's free, and separate from your DLsite login.
• Allow emails from @forbooks.jp and @sendowl.com, or the code may land in spam.
• Double-check your email address. Typos are the most common reason codes never arrive.
• One gift card per order. Place separate orders for multiple cards.
• Redeem within 6 months. Unused codes expire.
• Points expire one year after your last point activity.
• No refunds on gift cards, so buy only what you need.
• Some works are region-locked and can't be purchased from the US. Check that the Buy button appears before buying points.

What to buy first

Best English-translated doujin games →

Prices and figures checked 2026-09-17.